I am Phill Houlihan, and I am running as an ACT Local candidate for Porirua City
Council in the Pāuatahanui General Ward in the 2025 Local election.
I am a third-generation resident of Porirua, I grew up here, and I will always think of
Porirua as my home. So, when I look around and see Cobham court empty on a
Thursday night or listening to stories about my friends and family struggling with the
cost of living and the rates bill, it feels like my home has lost its way. That is why I am
running for city Council this election, so I can do my bit to keep expenses down and
get Porirua back on track.
As an ACT Local candidate, you know what you’re voting for with me. Common
sense, sensible spending, less red tape.
My priorities are:
- To create an environment where business can thrive in Porirua. I will cut red
tape stopping ventures from going ahead, apply common sense reasoning to
decision making, encourage a “yes, lets help make this happen” culture in
Council. - To lower the rate bill. I will keep rates as low as I can by focusing spending on
core infrastructure, scrutinizing every dollar spent, avoiding vanity projects
and nice-to-haves. - Ensure our assets are delivering maximum value. Are we getting the most out
of Te Rauparaha arena? Pataka? Libraries? These assets are expensive to
maintain, and the ratepayer is footing the bill. I will speak up when our assets
are being underutilized or underdelivering. - I firmly believe that the Porirua city resident can spend their money better than any
politician can. For this reason, I want to ease the burden of rates on our residents
and stop the Council stopping you from thriving.